Jesus Christ Superstar opens on Friday, June 7, at Church Hill Theatre and will run for nine performances through Sunday, June 23. Performances are at 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 pm on Sundays. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. CHT’s June musicals often sell out early, so reservations are strongly recommended

Shelagh Grasso directs this vibrant and stunning rock opera, that tells the biblical story of the last days of Jesus’ life from the perspective of Judas. Jesus Christ Superstar’s music was written by Andrew Lloyd Weber with lyrics by Tim Rice. Originally released as an album, it transferred to Broadway in 1971 and has become a classic.

Grasso has assembled a stellar cast for this production. Mark Wiening takes on the role of Jesus, with Max Hagan portraying Judas. Mary Magdalene is played by Stav Pinder, Caiaphas by Doug Porter, Annas by Brian Whitaker. Matt Folker will portray Pontius Pilate, Greg Minahan plays Herod and Simon and Peter are played by Nevin Dawson and Bob McGrory respectively.

Members of the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar sing “Hosanna” at Church Hill Theatre.

Jesus Christ Superstar would be incomplete without a rock band, and for this production they will be right on stage with the actors. The band includes Tom Anthony on bass guitar, Helen Clark on keyboard, Frank Gerber on drums, and Quinn Parsley on guitar.

Registration for Church Hill Theatre’s 21 st consecutive year of the Green Room Gang youth theatre program is currently open. The GRG Program has provided opportunities for young people of the Eastern Shore to experience true live theatre, from auditions to curtain call, for two decades. CHT offers a standing ovation to our entire community for supporting arts education for our children throughout the years. Bravo!

Begun in 1999, this exciting summer program of theatre games and training culminates in two fully staged musicals adapted for young performers. The Green Room Gang Senior Program, for young people entering grades 6 through 12, begins on Monday, June 24 th , 2019 and runs Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students will take a magical journey through the world of a play by means of dance, music, improvisation, theatre games, acting, staging and artistic interpretation to conceive a role from start to finish. Iz Clemens, who served as a Green Room Gang intern for two years and is graduating from Washington College this spring will be instructing the Senior camp. Full tuition for the five-week GRG Sr. program is $550.00, with a 10% discount for CHT Members.

The participants of Church Hill Theatre’s 2018 Green Room Gang. Front row is the cast of Green Room Gang, Jr. in their GRG t-shirts, and back row features the cast of Green Room Gang, Sr. in costumes from Shrek the Musical, JR. Photo by SG Atkinson.

Green Room Gang Junior participants, students entering grades 1 through 5, will do theatre games, learn basic acting skills, and explore singing and dancing while they create a musical especially written for young performers. GRG Jr. begins on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, and runs Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to Noon. Becca Van Aken returns for her 14 th year as GRG Junior instructor. Full tuition for the four-week GRG Jr. program is $330.00, with a 10% discount for CHT Members. Scholarships are available for both Sr. and Jr. camps.

Final performances for GRG are Thursday and Friday, July 25 and 26 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, July 27 at 2:00 p.m.

For more information, call the Church Hill Theatre business office at 410-556-6003, or email us at office@churchhilltheatre.org . The enrollment period runs now through May 31 st ; be sure to fill out your child’s registration forms with haste – GRG is first come, first served and fills up quickly! See you in the theatre! Scholarships are still available for both camps. If you are interested, please contact the CHT office to provide you with a scholarship application.

With a raucous score, Andrew Lloyd Weber’s 1970 rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar is going to enthrall audiences this June. Telling the biblical story of the last days of Jesus’ life from the perspective of Judas, this musical is not to be missed. The Church Hill Theatre revival, directed by Shelagh Grasso, will run for nine performances from June 7-23. CHT’s summer musicals are always the highlight of the theatrical season and Jesus Christ Superstar will appeal to audiences of all ages.

Jesus Christ Superstar’s music was written by Andrew Lloyd Weber with lyrics written by Tim Rice. Originally written as a rock opera album, it transferred to Broadway in 1971 and has become a classic.

Jesus Christ Superstar opens on Friday, June 7, and will run through Sunday, June 23, with Friday and Saturday performances at 8 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for member, and $10 for students. Reservations (strongly advised well in advance) can be made by calling the box office at 410-556-6003 or online at www.churchhilltheatre.org

Registration for Church Hill Theatre’s 21st consecutive year of the Green Room Gang youth theatre program is officially open! The GRG Program has provided opportunities for young people of the Eastern Shore to experience true live theatre, from auditions to curtain call, for two decades. CHT offers a standing ovation to our entire community for supporting arts education for our children throughout the years. Bravo!

Begun in 1999, this exciting summer program of theatre games and training culminates in two fully staged musicals adapted for young performers. The Green Room Gang Senior Program, for young people entering grades 6 through 12, begins on Monday, June 24th, 2019 and runs Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students will take a magical journey through the world of a play by means of dance, music, improvisation, theatre games, acting, staging and artistic interpretation to conceive a role from start to finish. Iz Clemens, who served as a Green Room Gang intern for two years and is graduating from Washington College this spring will be instructing the Senior camp. Full tuition for the five-week GRG Sr. program is $550.00, with a 10% discount for CHT Members.

The participants of Church Hill Theatre’s 2018 Green Room Gang. Front row is the cast of Green Room Gang, Jr. in their GRG t-shirts, and back row features the cast of Green Room Gang, Sr. in costumes from Shrek the Musical, JR. Photo by SG Atkinson.

Green Room Gang Junior participants, students entering grades 1 through 5, will do theatre games, learn basic acting skills, and explore singing and dancing while they create a musical especially written for young performers. GRG Jr. begins on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, and runs Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to Noon. Becca Van Aken returns for her 14th year as GRG Junior instructor. Full tuition for the four-week GRG Jr. program is $330.00, with a 10% discount for CHT Members. Scholarships are available for both Sr. and Jr. camps.

Final performances for GRG are Thursday and Friday, July 25 and 26 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, July 27 at 2:00 p.m.

For more information, call the Church Hill Theatre business office at 410-556-6003, or email us at office@churchhilltheatre.org. The enrollment period runs now through May 31st; be sure to fill out your child’s registration forms with haste – GRG is first come, first served and fills up quickly! See you in the theatre!

The hilarious French farce, A Flea in Her Ear written by Georges Feydeau and adapted by David Ives continues at Church Hill Theatre through Sunday April 14. With performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2 pm, and is “not to be missed” according to a review by Peter Heck. Reservations can be made by calling 410-556-6003 or online at churchhilltheatre.org

Under the helm of Christopher Wallace’s “first class direction,” and with “some of the area’s best comic talent” this delightful comedy comes to life. Originally written by Feydeau in 1907, A Flea in Her Ear tells the story of Raymonde Chandebise who suspects her husband, Victor of being unfaithful. To catch him, Raymonde’s best friend Lucienne suggests arranging a rendezvous with an imaginary secret admirer at the Frisky Puss Hotel, and then catching him when he meets her. Of course, the plan goes awry with a host of characters running around and confusing everything and everyone. Mistaken identities, jealousy, and more will put the audience in stiches.

In his review, Heck praises the talented cast taking on this riotous comedy. Raymonde and her husband Victor are played by Hester Sachse and Brad Chaires (Chaires has a double role as Monsieur Chandebise and Poche the Frisky Puss Hotel’s porter). Heck notes that Sachse is “in her element…conveying her character’s real concern…while moving effectively into the comic consequences” and Chaires’ “deadpan approach…is right on target” and he “gets a real showcase for his talents.” Natalie Lane and Howard Mesick take on the roles of Lucienne and her husband Don Carlos Homenides de Histangua. Both are praised for their deft abilities to “effectively handle exchanges – in rapid Spanish” with Lane as an “instigator…at the heart of the play” and Mesick “makes it good fun as he stomps across the stage, brandishing a pistol.” Tournel, best friend to Chandebise, and a bit of a rake, is played with “convincing [and] amusing” effect by Dan Guidice. Robbie Spray takes on the role of Camille, nephew to Victor, with the review noting his “nice physical performance adding to the fun.” Herb Ziegler is “fun to watch” as Faraillon, the ex-army man who owns the Frisky Puss. Minnie Maloney plays Raymonde’s flirtatious maid Antoinette, and Michael Moore is her jealous husband, the Chandebise valet, Etienne. Doctor Finache, a somewhat suspect medical expert is played by Bryan Zajchowski. Faraillon’s wife is played by Mary Zober. Their maid Eugenie is played by Shannon Whitaker with a special guest appearance by Maya McGrory in the role on April 5th only. Steve Atkinson and Troy Strootman take on the roles of a rheumatic drunkard and confused Englishman respectively. Heck notes that the more minor players “get their comic bits, and are all thoroughly entertaining.”

Another draw to the Church Hill Theatre production of A Flea in Her Ear is the impressive set designed by Shelagh Grasso and executed by Carmen Grasso, Tom Rhodes and Jim Johnson. There are two distinct, opulent interiors recreated on the stage, with multiple doors for actors to burst out of, and catch others by surprise. Audiences in the first weekend stayed in their seats to watch the crew make the transformation. Heck noted the skill of the design, and “precisely choreographed set change on wheels” helmed by stage manager, Michelle Christopher.

If laughter is something that you enjoy, then be sure to reserve your tickets for A Flea in Her Ear. There is no profanity in the play, but there are adult themes wrapped in double entendre and innuendo. However, the slapstick will likely entertain younger audience members.

A Flea in Her Ear runs through April 14, with performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for members and $10 for students, with special prices for groups of ten or more. Reservations can be made by calling the box office at 410-556-6003 or online at www.churchhilltheatre.org

The hilarious French farce, A Flea in Her Ear written by Georges Feydeau and adapted by David Ives opens at Church Hill Theatre on Friday March 29 and runs through Sunday April 14. With performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2 pm, audiences have nine opportunities to laugh at this uproarious comedy, directed by Christopher Wallace. Reservations can be made by calling 410-556-6003 or online at churchhilltheatre.org

Originally written by Feydeau in 1907, A Flea in Her Ear tells the story of Raymonde Chandebise who suspects her husband, Victor of being unfaithful. To catch him, Raymonde’s best friend Lucienne suggests arranging a rendezvous with an imaginary secret admirer at the Frisky Puss Hotel, and then catching him when he meets her. Of course, the plan goes awry with a host of characters running around and confusing everything and everyone. Mistaken identities, jealousy, and more will put the audience in stiches. David Ives (author of Don Juan in Chicago, All in the Timing and other comedies) translated and adapted the script in 2006; the play is still set in the opulent world of the wealthy at the turn of the century in Paris, but it is accessible to modern audiences.

Director Toph Wallace has assembled a talented cast to tackle this riotous comedy. Raymonde and her husband Victor are played by Hester Sachse and Brad Chaires (Chaires has a double role as Monsieur Chandebise and Poche the Frisky Puss Hotel’s porter). Natalie Lane and Howard Mesick take on the roles of Lucienne and her husband Don Carlos Homenides de Histangua. Tournel, best friend to Chandebise, and a bit of a rake, is played by Dan Guidice. Robbie Spray takes on the role of Camille, nephew to Victor, while Minnie Maloney plays Raymonde’s flirtatious maid Antoinette, and Michael Moore is her jealous husband, the Chandebise valet, Etienne. Doctor Finache, a somewhat suspect medical expert is played by Bryan Zajchowski. At the Frisky Puss, we meet Faraillon the hotel’s owner, and his wife played by Herb Ziegler and Mary Zober. Their maid Eugenie is played by Shannon Whitaker. Steve Atkinson and Troy Strootman take on the roles of a rheumatic drunkard and confused Englishman respectively.

Another draw to the Church Hill Theatre production of A Flea in Her Ear is the impressive set designed by Shelagh Grasso and executed by Carmen Grasso, Tom Rhodes and Jim Johnson. There are two distinct, opulent interiors recreated on the stage, with multiple doors for actors to burst out of, and catch others by surprise. Audiences may want to stay in their seats during intermission to watch the set revolve and completely change!

If laughter is something that you enjoy, than be sure to reserve your tickets for A Flea in Her Ear. Although there is no profanity in the play, there are adult themes wrapped in double entendre and innuendo.

A Flea in Her Ear opens at Church Hill Theatre on March 29, 2019, and runs through April 14, with performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for members and $10 for students, with special prices for groups of ten or more. CHT offers 2 for the price of 1 tickets on opening night, Friday, March 29, to those who reserve by phone. Reservations can be made by calling the box office at 410-556-6003 or online at www.churchhilltheatre.org

Director Toph Wallace has selected the cast for A Flea in Her Ear, in production at Church Hill Theatre between March 29 and April 14. The play, a French farce written by Georges Feydeau and adapted by the comedic talent of David Ives.

The play is set around the turn of the 20th century in Paris and tells the story of Raymonde Chandebise who suspects her husband, Victor of being unfaithful. To catch him, Raymonde’s best friend Lucienne suggests arranging a rendezvous with an imaginary secret admirer at the Frisky Puss Hotel, and then catching him when he meets her. Of course, the plan goes awry with a host of characters running around and confusing everything and everyone. Mistaken identities, jealousy, and more will put the audience in stiches.

Wallace has assembled a talented cast to tackle this riotous comedy. Raymonde and her husband Victor are played by Hester Sachse and Brad Chaires (Chaires has a double role as Monsieur Chandebise and Poche the Frisky Puss Hotel’s porter). Natalie Lane and Howard Mesick take on the roles of Lucienne and her husband Don Carlos Homenides de Histangua. Tournel, best friend to Chandebise, and a bit of a rake, is played by Dan Guidice. Robbie Spray takes on the role of Camille, nephew to Victor, while Minnie Maloney plays Raymonde’s flirtatious maid Antoinette, and Michael Moore is her jealous husband, the Chandebise valet, Etienne. Doctor Finache, a somewhat suspect medical expert is played by Bryan Zajchowski. At the Frisky Puss, we meet Faraillon the hotel’s owner, and his wife played by Herb Ziegler and Mary Zober. Their maid Eugenie is played by Shannon Whitaker. Steve Atkinson and Troy Strootman take on the roles of a rheumatic drunkard and confused Englishman respectively.

A Flea in He Ear is set to be a fantastic event on the Church Hill stage. With two settings, a talented cast, and a hilarious script, this show is sure to entertain.

A Flea in Her Ear opens at Church Hill Theatre on March 29, 2019, and runs through April 14, with performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for members and $10 for students, with special prices for groups of ten or more. CHT offers 2 for the price of 1 tickets on opening night, Friday, March 29, to those who reserve by phone. Reservations can be made by calling the box office at 410-556-6003 or online at www.churchhilltheatre.org

Church Hill Theatre is accepting applications for the following paid staff positions for the 2019 Green Room Gang program. The theatre requires a Green Room Gang Sr. director, and two interns to work with the directors of GRG Sr. and Jr.

Green Room Gang is a summer theatre workshop that consists of two camps. GRG Sr. is a full day program of theatre instruction for youths entering grades 6—12 that culminates is a fully staged musical for public performance. GRG Jr. is a half day program for youths entering grades 1—5 which also culminates in a fully staged musical production. Both camps are in session Monday through Thursday. GRG Sr. begins June 24 and ends with performances July 25, 26 and 27; GRG Jr. starts June 26 and culminates with the production.

The GRG Sr. Director will lead the production from concept to performances. They will be responsible for all aspects of the production including costumes, props, lighting and sound; however, the focus of this job is the instruction of the students and the casting, directing and rehearsing of the show. Applicants should have extensive formal education and experience in all aspects of theatre and should be able to work closely with students.

The interns will work closely with the Directors of both GRG Jr. and GRG Sr. and will assist in instructional, directing and production aspects of the camp. The two intern positions require a HS diploma as well as interest and higher education in theatre.

For more information and applications for these positions please contact the CHT Executive Manager Hester Sachse at 410-556-6003 or by emailing her at execmanager@churchhilltheatre.org. The deadline for applications for the GRG Senior Instructor/Director position is March 22, 2019. The deadline for the college intern is April 19, 2019. Applicants should expect follow-up from CHT to schedule an interview in person or over the phone.

Lillian Hellman’s Watch on the Rhine, directed by Mary A. James, continues at Church Hill Theatre through February 3. An “effective historical drama and a prescient look at today’s world” according to a review by Peter Heck – you do not want to miss this show!

Watch on the Rhine takes place in 1940 at Fanny Farrelly’s estate near Washington, DC, where she and her lawyer son David eagerly await the arrival of his sister, Sara Muller, and her family. Sara, married to a German patriot, for twenty years has made a new life in Europe, far from her domineering mother. Tensions arise when Fanny’s houseguests, a titled Romanian couple, meddle in family affairs. What is going on between the Countess and David Farrelly? And is the Count a Nazi—or just a cad? Matters are resolved during a long cocktail hour that reveals secrets and rips apart Fanny’s comfortably complacent life.

David Farelly (Howard Mesick) and his sister Sara Muller (Darlene Greer) are delighted to see each other after many years apart.

Jane Copple “is in her element” in the role of Fanny Farrelly, a cosmopolitan and well-connected matron who is perhaps too used to getting her own way. Darlene Greer portrays Fanny’s daughter, Sara Muller, stronger than we first think. Robert McGrory plays Kurt Muller, a former engineer and anti-Nazi activist. Heck notes that he “gives the character a good balance between the sympathetic family man and tough freedom fighter.” Lisa Wojehowski, Calla McCluskey, and Connor Christopher play their children, Joshua, Babette and Bodo, all three doing “an excellent job.” Complicating matters are Fanny’s houseguests, the sinisterly attractive Count Teck de Brancovis, played by Will Robinson with “an effective blend of menace and aristocratic disdain.” His American-born wife Marthe is played by Genevieve Croker who Heck notes does a “good job” at portraying a woman stuck in a dead-end marriage. Howard Mesick is Fanny’s lawyer son David, a man who finds more backbone as his comfortable world changes. Sheila Austrian is “well cast” as Fanny’s French housekeeper/companion Anise.

James, with substantial experience at St. Martin’s Community Theatre and the Colonial Players, is making her directorial debut at Church Hill Theatre. Her production team includes Producer Hester Sachse and Lighting Designer Doug Kaufmann. The set was designed by the director and Temple Worth and constructed by Carmen Grasso and Tom Rhodes. Speedy Christopher helps backstage.

Watch on the Rhine continues until February 3. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2 pm. Reservations can be made on line at churchhilltheatre.org or by calling (410) 556-6003.